Unit 5: Planet Earth

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from Unit 5: Planet Earth.

Crust

The thin layer of solid rock that forms the Earth's outer layer.

Mantle

The layer of the Earth beneath the crust; lower part is molten rock.

Outer Core

The liquid layer of the Earth's core made of iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni).

Inner Core

The solid, high-density innermost layer of the Earth, primarily composed of iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni).

Seismic Waves

Energy waves sent through the Earth during earthquakes; used to study Earth's interior.

Seismograph

A machine that records seismic waves, measuring their strength and speed.

Seismogram

The record produced by a seismograph, depicting the characteristics of seismic waves.

P-waves

Fast compression seismic waves that can travel through any type of material.

S-waves

Slower shear seismic waves that can only pass through solid material.

Plate Tectonics

The theory explaining the movement of Earth's tectonic plates on the molten mantle.

Continental Drift

The hypothesis that continents were once joined together and have moved apart over time.

Divergent Boundary

A plate boundary where two plates move apart, creating new crust.

Convergent Boundary

A plate boundary where two plates collide, leading to mountain formation or subduction.

Transform Boundary

A plate boundary where two plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes.

Fault

A fracture in rock where displacement has occurred, often associated with seismic activity.

Glacier

A large, moving sheet of ice formed from compacted snow over time.

Weathering

The process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces through natural forces.

Erosion

The transportation of weathered material by water, wind, ice, or gravity.

Mass Wasting

The downward movement of soil and rock due to gravity, which can occur slowly or rapidly.